Healthy North Coast is proud to announce the successful funding recipients of the 2024 Community Wellbeing and Resilience (CWR) Program.
Queer Family, Plan C and The Returning will each receive funding to deliver programs over the next two years to help impacted North Coast communities in their recovery from the health and wellbeing impacts of natural disasters, and to build their capacity to respond to future events.
Since 2022, funding has been provided to 26 community wellbeing and resilience initiatives through the CWR program, valued at more than $6.3 million.
The Hon Justine Elliot MP, Member for Richmond and Assistant Minister for Social Services, welcomed the announcement:
“As our region continues to rebuild from the profound impacts of recent disasters, strengthening the health and wellbeing of our communities is essential to building resilience.
“By investing in community led initiatives that support stronger social cohesion and disaster preparation, we’re not just addressing immediate needs, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger and sustainable future for all.”
CEO of Healthy North Coast, Monika Wheeler said building community resilience is fundamental to improving health and wellbeing outcomes due to natural disasters and a changing climate.
“Our region includes a number of Local Government Areas that have experienced high numbers of declared disasters, including the bushfires in 2021 and the Northern Rivers floods in 2022,” said Ms Wheeler.
“The CWR program focuses on improving community health and wellbeing through local projects that build social connection, strengthen the capacity of our volunteer and community organisations, and ensure communities are equipped with the knowledge, skills and resources to adapt to the health and wellbeing impacts of a changing climate.
“Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients, we’ve already witnessed many fantastic outcomes as a result of the CWR program and looking forward to seeing the benefits that this latest round of funding will bring.”
The programs that will be delivered by the three successful CWR grant recipients are:
Queer Family is a community-based, peer-led organisation in Mullumbimby that was formed in 2019 to address the critical need for support systems for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Their Queer Wellbeing Programme provides social connection opportunities for the LGBTQIA+ community to support resilience and wellbeing, addressing a critical need for safe, culturally appropriate, Queer-affirming support systems for a vulnerable, marginalised community particularly during crisis and recovery.
Quotes attributable to Queer Family Grants Officer, Frieda Herrman:
“We’re beyond thrilled to be receiving this funding from Healthy North Coast. It means the world to Queer Family and our community. With this support, we can create even more amazing programs that bring people together, foster connections and help everyone feel seen and valued. We know that Queer led and Queer affirming programming changes saves lives. This is the first time we’ve had access to proper core funding, and we are so excited to see all the ways it will help our community thrive.”
Plan C is a not-for-profit charity founded in 2019 with the mission to build community resilience and regeneration through education, research, mentoring, partnerships and support programs.
In collaboration with community groups, councils, emergency agencies, and universities, more than 240 local leaders impacted by disasters will be trained, equipped, and mentored to become a network of volunteer Community Carers and Responders (CCRs). The CCR network supports crisis prevention, preparedness, response and recovery across Ballina, Byron, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and the Tweed.
Quotes attributable to Plan C CEO, Dr Jean Renouf:
“We are thrilled to receive this grant, which empowers us to strengthen community resilience across the wider Northern Rivers. The support from Healthy North Coast allows us to expand our Community Carers and Responders (CCR) network, equipping local residents with the skills and confidence to adapt to our changing climate, build their own community and prepare for and respond to disasters effectively. This funding will enhance our ability to foster a safer, more connected community, prepared to face future challenges together. Local residents will soon have the opportunity to join the CCR network for free!”
The Returning focuses on Indigenous culture and healing, delivering programs for women, First Nations mothers and babies, Indigenous youth, and camps for men, women, jarjums and Elders.
Their Wellbeing and Resilience, Our Way Program is an Aboriginal designed and led initiative to increase the health and resilience of Indigenous individuals and communities on Bundjalung Country and surrounds (Northern NSW). It focuses on meeting the local health and wellbeing needs of Indigenous individuals, families and communities, in particular those impacted by the 2022 floods.
Quotes attributable to The Returning Founder and Director, Ella Noah Bancroft:
“The funding will allow us to continue to support our community with programs that improve their mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing. We will be able to support flood victims, mothers and mob as our highest priority into our programs. We know that supporting women and mothers to find good health and wellbeing has a huge impact on the community.”
For more information on the CWR program visit Healthy North Coast’s website.
Additional info:
- Healthy North Coast trialled Participatory Grant making (PGM) as part of the 2024 grant application process by involving the shortlisted organisations in the decision-making process. The PGM process responded to community sector feedback and involved face–to–face collaborative workshops for pitch practice and feedback, networking opportunities with other organisations and local funders, and peer assessment as part of the grant decision making process.
- Healthy North Coast’s Community Wellbeing and Resilience program has been recognised for its efforts in building community health and wellbeing resilience in the face of increasing climate disasters, winning the Resilient Australia Mental Health and Wellbeing Award for NSW.
- A total of $1 million in funding has been awarded in the 2024 CWR Program, through the Primary Health Network Program – an initiative of the Australian Government.
- Since 2022 the Community Wellbeing and Resilience Program has awarded 26 grants, with a total value of $6.3 million through funding provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and NSW Government Ministry of Health.
- Visit our CWR page for a list of previous grant recipients, and the projects that were delivered.